Sunday, March 16, 2014

Mets News: Jon Niese leaves game with elbow discomfort

Mets News:

New York Mets left-hander Jonathon Niese departed Sunday’s Grapefruit League game against the St. Louis Cardinals after two innings complaining of elbow discomfort, adding doubt about his Opening Day availability.

Niese had been sent to New York for a MRI after complaining about shoulder pain, but the results came back negative. Niese missed two months last season with a rotator-cuff tear, but did not require surgery.

According to reports, Jon Niese could of altered his mechanics which could of lead to the elbow pain.

The good news is Niese topped out at 90 mph during a 35-pitch effort. A scout in attendance said Niese started looking like there was an issue midway through the second inning.

In Niese's last start five days ago, he had only been clocked in the lower 80's which was very alarming to manager Terry Collins, so there was some improvement today, but now a injury has arisen.

Niese had been projected to be the opening day starter, but now assuming Niese opens the season on the disabled list, Jenrry Mejia could join Daisuke Matsuzaka in the rotation, with John Lannan earning a relief role. That trio had been the primary fifth-starter competitors, with Matsuzaka seemingly having the inside track.

The Mets could also have prospects Rafael Montero and Noah Syndergaard fill a role, who also remain in camp.